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Rep. Meeks Statement on Release of North Korean Prisoners

"Today’s success reminds us that diplomacy works, and it underscores the importance of having a functioning State Department to advance our global interests."

May 9, 2018

Rep. Meeks Statement on North Korea's Release of American Prisoners

Washington, DC—Senior Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, issued the following statement regarding the release of North Korean prisoners:

“I congratulate Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on successfully returning home the three Americans held captive in North Korea, and wish them a warm return to their family and loved ones. Today’s success reminds us that diplomacy works, and it underscores the importance of having a functioning State Department to advance our global interests.

“In the year since two of the three released captives were taken prisoner, we have seen renewed hopes of warming relations with North Korea. Through the diplomatic efforts of Moon Jae-in and decades of U.S. pressure, North Korea has finally agreed to come to the table.

“In prior bilateral talks, we’ve depended on extensive diplomatic cables to assess the demands of the countries with whom we’ve negotiated. It is my hope that Secretary Pompeo has made up for lost time, and that President Trump will be prepared for the upcoming meeting with Kim Jong Un. It is in the interests of all U.S. citizens and allies in the region that the pending meeting with North Korea results in denuclearization, a halt in their ICBM testing, and a new relationship for our countries.”